Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses Exercise (351)

Answers and Explanations

1.
Original: The server ----- stores my databases is based in Germany.
Correct : The server that stores my databases is based in Germany.

"That stores my databases" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.

2.
Original: The 19th century novel ----- I most admire is by George Eliot.
Correct : The 19th century novel that I most admire is by George Eliot.

"That I most admire" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.

3.
Original: The White House ------ is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC has 35 bathrooms.
Correct : The White House, which is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC, has 35 bathrooms.

"Which is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC" is a nonrestrictive clause, not essential to the meaning of the sentence; a comma is needed.

4.
Original: The nurse told the child to hold up the knee ------ was scraped.
Correct : The nurse told the child to hold up the knee that was scraped.

"That was scraped" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.

5.
Original: Everyone on the sidewalk noticed the black van ------ had Arizona plates.
Correct : Everyone on the sidewalk noticed the black van, which had Arizona plates.

"Which had Arizona plates" is a nonrestrictive clause, not essential to the meaning of the sentence; a comma is needed.

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